Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has again been facing criticism after he failed to perform with the bat in the just-concluded One Day International (ODI) series against England, which Team India lost 1-2.
During the second ODI on July 14, Dhoni came to bat at No 6 when India were at 140/4 in 26.6 overs while chasing a target of 323 runs set by hosts England after being elected to bat first. With Suresh Raina and Dhoni at the crease, scoring 183 runs in 138 balls seemed not that tough for Indians to achieve.
However, England were playing a do-or-die match as they already lost the 1st ODI of the three-match series. The bowlers bowled really well and they kept ‘match finisher’ Dhoni silent throughout India’s run-chase.
Dhoni scored 59-ball 37 as India could only manage to put up 236 on board in 50 overs. Dhoni was even booed by the Indian supporters present there for his slow batting during the team’s 86-run defeat.
dhoni bhakts dont act as if u r fearing he will announce retirement……..even u know he dont have any shame.he will play as long as he wants…..he wont retire even after 2019 wc
— babloo babloo (@babloo12345678) July 17, 2018
In the third ODI too, Dhoni focused more on playing dot balls than scoring runs. He scored 42 in 66 balls with just four boundaries. Team India lost that game too by 8 wickets.
Following the series loss, it’s mostly Dhoni who has been facing the heat on social media with many of his haters claiming that this is the right time for Dhoni to announce his retirement.
Haters : Hey #ThankYouDhoni, Now when are you retiring..!!
Dhoni: pic.twitter.com/psaDzo7odI
— HBD ABHAY RAM (@lokeshntr11) July 18, 2018
But being an ardent cricket fan, I think it is unfair to criticize Dhoni, given the situation he found himself in both the games. Dhoni is still India’s best bet for the 2019 World Cup.
Here are 3 reasons why Dhoni can’t be replaced:
Wicket-keeping skills –
Dhoni is still the best keeper across the globe. His presence of mind behind the stumps help India in picking up few wickets. Dhoni’s acrobatic move to run-out James Vince in the deciding ODI of the 3-match series at Headingley is a testimony to that fact.
That stumping by dhoni ______________
Thala #MSDhoni mass pic.twitter.com/9VQDc4lpC6— _____ _______ (@SamUrstruly) July 17, 2018
Dhoni’s DRS –
Whenever DRS factor comes into play, Dhoni’s experience always helped India take the right call. On many occasions, Indian captain Virat Kohli engaged in a discussion with Dhoni before taking the DRS. Most of the time, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman gets the call right.
Handling pressure —
Virat Kohli might be the captain of Indian cricket team, but it is MS Dhoni who takes important calls on the field during pressure situations. From advising on bowling changes to selecting field position, Dhoni is way better than Kohli. His advice from behind the stumps to the bowlers is also a key factor.
MS Dhoni cannot be sidelined in ODIs just yet. Not until the selectors unearth another finisher-cum-wicketkeeper who can lead from behind the stumps and can successfully step into his shoes.
I am no cricket expert but I can tell you this. If you hate Dhoni.. you don’t deserve to watch cricket.
— Sudden Star (@ViswaTweetzz) July 18, 2018
Team India will need Dhoni if they hope to lift the 2019 World Cup.
